Perry says he has sustained 6 documented concussions

In announcing his retirement, Perry made a strong statement:

I’ve recently sustained my 6th documented concussion. It wasn’t from a high velocity, big contact play. It was a very pedestrian thing, and that was a huge concern to me. The last thing I want to do is put the health of my brain and my future wellbeing in jeopardy over a game and a paycheck.

Perry also mentioned that while football has given him incredible experiences and opportunities, it has also come with a price — “things like the loss of a teammate, losing seasons and strained relationships will also live in me forever as well.”

Perry says he will spend more time in the central Ohio area, get his real estate license and stay close to the sport “through writing, TV and radio.” He also plans to expand his work with the Joshua Perry Family Foundation, “a non-profit organization … with the objective of inspiring our youth to recognize and utilize their God-given gifts to maximize their potential.”

Perry was a national champion at Ohio State

Perry was a member of the 2014 national championship team at Ohio State and recorded 296 total tackles (169 solo), 18 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in his time as a Buckeye. He was drafted by the Chargers in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft.

Perry bounced around with the Chargers, Colts and Seahawks after being drafted. He appeared in 15 games with the Chargers as a rookie and two last season with the Colts.

For some time now, I have been playing the game of football for the wrong reasons and during this time I sacrificed my happiness and well being. I want to encourage those reading this to do what feels good on the inside and not what looks good on the outside.